Ozone depletion directly affects society and the environment through increased exposure to UV radiation on humans, animals, plants and materials. Increased exposure to UV radiation can have serious negative side effects for humans: Skin cancerUV -B radiation can cause benign and malignant skin melanomas. A reduction in ozone levels increases the amount of UV-B radiation that can reach the Earth's surface, which would cause an increase in the number of cases of skin cancer, sunburn and premature skin aging. Cataracts A decrease in ozone and an increase in the amount of UV rays reaching the earth have significant effects on the eyes, such as an increase in the number of cases of "snow blindness" and cataracts. Snow blindness (photokeratitis) is a severe inflammation of the superficial layers of the eyes. Since this condition is caused by UV radiation, a decrease in ozone will increase the number of cases. Cataracts are described as a clouding of the lens and is the leading cause of blindness worldwide (an estimated 17 million people). It is estimated that with ten percent Dr...